What began as a neighborhood mapping tool for the New York real estate business in 2011 has since developed into a guide for tourists in that city and elsewhere in the United States*, giving them the opportunity to view vendors, restaurants and attractions on any given city block.

But CityMaps’ most recent update has expanded its reach, both in terms of destinations and as an interactive social networking tool. Among its new features is the ability to share personalized map collections — the best Civil War sites or vegan bakeries, for instance — with other users and to collaborate on maps with digital friends.

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The businesses displayed are culled from owners who want to be featured on the app; from users who pin places to their personal maps; and from dozens of the biggest digital data providers in the world, Mr. Cohen said, which also help to keep data up to date. Icons on each place listed allow users to view comments and reviews, pricing and menu details or deals and discounts available.